WEATHERFORD (CBSDFW.COM) – North Texas will see windy and dry conditions on Thursday, and that could mean trouble in the winter season. The threat of wildfires will be increasing throughout the day, and the National Weather Service has already issued a Red Flag Warning for areas west of Fort Worth.

That fire warning includes Montague County, Jack County, Palo Pinto County, Young County, Stephens County and Eastland County. The warning lasts until 7:00 p.m. Thursday night.

There are also burn bans in effect for some of these counties. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and welding on Thursday, and cautioned not to throw lit cigarette butts outside.

Winter is always a peak time for wildfires because the vegetation is dormant. But when you combine that with the high winds and low humidity that we have been seeing — and will continue to see on Thursday — it becomes a real problem. The last five months in DFW have had a rainfall deficit.

If you see a wildfire burning, report it immediately to the nearest fire department or law enforcement agency. They can spread quickly and must be addressed before they get worse.